A CHORUS of boos and heckles dominated the opening exchanges of a public inquiry into a controversial bail hostel.

Proceedings at the Chester-le-Street inquiry on Tuesday threatened to grind to a halt after protesters started barracking the lawyer representing County Durham Probation Service.

Harry Wolton, QC, provoked sections of the public present at the inquiry by suggesting they didn't have legal training and 'demonstrated an ignorance of what it was all about.'

His comments came at the start of the three-day hearing into plans for the 25-bed facility being held at the Red Lion pub in Front Street.

The Planning Inspectorate called the inquiry after the probation service appealed against the decision by Chester-le-Street District Council to refuse planning permission.

Mr Wolton said the inquiry rested on one fundamental question - "Do you accept that probation and bail hostels should exist?"

He continued: "There are more controls over people in a bail hostel... and without being in the hostel, who knows what is going to happen.

"Chester-le-Street is not a crime-free zone. If someone objects to the hostel on the basis that there will be people involved in crime there, do not let anyone believe that if there is no hostel there will be no crime on the street."

His opening statement finished with: "The holier-than-thou attitude that appears to be adopted by the objectors is wholly untenable."

And he explained that the case will rest on whether or not the public fear of crime can be justified.

Victor Adams, for the local authority, said the council was 'diametrically opposed' to the probation service's stance on the fear of crime.

He added: "It was felt right by members to take account of the considerable extent of public opposition to the appeal proposal and in particular the expressions of anger, fear and anxiety by those who live within the proximity of the site.

"It was felt that even perceived harm to the safety of individuals, their families and property was an important material consideration and one which justified refusal."

Speaking during a break from proceedings, protestor Derek Gordon, who has 31 years' experience working with young offenders, described the probation service's stance as 'bureaucratic bullying.'

He added: "It's our community and we are asked to participate in it, but when we do we are told we are not qualified.